Gum Disease Houston TX

Periodontal Therapy An Overview

Gum disease is one of the primary causes of tooth loss in adult patients. A largely preventable disease, gum disease can be controlled or avoided altogether with good oral hygiene and six-month routine dental check ups. Our Hoston, TX dental care team led by Dr. Eddie Pruitt offers personalized dental health care focused on disease prevention and management.

We take time to get to know our patients and understand their unique risk factors for common dental problems such as gum disease so we can offer individualized care and advice for their oral health. Some patients are at an increased risk for chronic gum disease, making regular dental care an important part of a healthy lifestyle and a lasting smile.

A progressive disease, gum disease compromises the health and function of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria that feed off of tartar and plaque build up. When caught early, gum disease is often treated effectively with conservative measures such as enhanced at home care using antibacterial rinses.

Left untreated, harmful bacteria can spread, forming pockets deep inside the gum line. These pockets can cause the gums to separate from the teeth causing gum recession, crooked teeth, or even tooth loss.

Gum disease causing bacteria will eventually spread to the blood stream. The ongoing study of the mouth-body connection continues to show that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, diabetes, and strokes. Early diagnosis, thorough periodontal treatment and diligent at home oral hygiene are essential tools in protecting the health of your dental health and overall health and well being.

Periodontal Therapy What to Expect

Periodontal therapy is the process of removing all harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Treatment will vary depending on the progression of the disease and additional or ongoing treatments may be recommended to fully restore and maintain a healthy smile. Dr. Pruitt may recommend a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to fully restore the health and beauty of your smile.

Periodontal Therapy in Houston, TX

Anti Bacterial Rinse & Preventive Care: With regular visits to the dentist, gum disease can be caught in the earliest stages. Gingivitis can often be treated with a thorough dental cleaning and improved at home oral hygiene. Dr. Pruitt and our dental care team will help give you tips and tricks for better brushing and flossing. Dr. Pruitt may also recommend an anti bacterial mouth rinse to help keep the oral bacteria in balance.

Scaling & Root Planing: An intensive dental cleaning, scaling and root planing removes bacteria from the deep pockets of the gums. Dr. Pruitt will scrape away plaque and tartar build up and remove bacteria from the deep gum pockets preventing further damage, and allowing the gums to begin to heal. Scaling & Root planing can help prevent gum recession and even tooth loss.

Gum Surgery: For more progressive cases of periodontal disease, gum surgery may be required to restore the health and function to the smile and to prevent further damage or tooth loss. Visiting the dentist every 6 months can help prevent the progression of gum disease.